Method and apparatus for switching between 2 step and 4 step random access (ra) procedures and contention resolutions

ABSTRACT

A communication method and system for converging a 5th generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of things (IoT) are provided. The communication method and system may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method for performing a random access (RA) procedure is provided. The method comprises transmitting a first message of a 2 step RA procedure including an RA preamble and a cell-radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI), receiving a second message of the 2 step RA procedure on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) addressed to the C-RNTI, identifying whether a time alignment timer (TAT) is running or not, and determining that the 2 step RA procedure is completed successfully in case that the TAT is running and the PDCCH schedules an uplink (UL) transport block (TB) for a new transmission.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application of prior application Ser.No. 16/857,796, filed on Apr. 24, 2020, which issues as U.S. Pat. No.11,272,548 on Mar. 8, 2022, and which is based on and claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of a U.S. Provisional application Ser. No.62/837,843, filed on Apr. 24, 2019, in the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The disclosure relates to a method for switching between 2 step and 4step random access (RA) procedures and contention resolutions.

2. Description of Related Art

To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased sincedeployment of 4th generation (4G) communication systems, efforts havebeen made to develop an improved 5^(th) generation (5G) or pre-5Gcommunication system. Therefore, the 5G or pre-5G communication systemis also referred to as a ‘beyond 4G network’ or a ‘post long termevolution (LTE) System.’ The 5G wireless communication system isconsidered to be implemented not only in lower frequency bands but alsoin higher frequency (mmWave) bands, e.g., 10 GHz to 100 GHz bands, so asto accomplish higher data rates. To mitigate propagation loss of theradio waves and increase the transmission distance, beamforming, massivemultiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO),array antenna, analog beam forming, and large-scale antenna techniquesare being considered in the design of the 5G wireless communicationsystem. In addition, in 5G communication systems, development for systemnetwork improvement is under-way based on advanced small cells, cloudradio access networks (RANs), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device(D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, moving network, cooperativecommunication, coordinated multi-points (CoMP), reception-endinterference cancellation, and the like. In the 5G system, frequency andquadrature amplitude modulation (FQAM), which is a combination of hybridfrequency shift keying (FSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM),and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) as an advanced codingmodulation (ACM), filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonalmultiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as anadvanced access technology, have been also developed.

In a similar regard, the Internet, which is a human centeredconnectivity network where humans generate and consume information, isnow evolving to the internet of things (IoT) where distributed entities,such as things, exchange and process information without humanintervention. The internet of everything (IoE), which is a combinationof IoT technology and big data processing technology through connectionwith a cloud server, has also emerged. As technology elements, such as“sensing technology,” “wired/wireless communication and networkinfrastructure,” “service interface technology,” and “securitytechnology” have been demanded for IoT implementation, a sensor network,a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication(MTC), and so forth have been recently researched. Such an IoTenvironment may provide intelligent Internet technology services thatcreate a new value to human life by collecting and analyzing datagenerated among connected things. In this case, IoT may be applied to avariety of fields including a smart home, a smart building, a smartcity, a smart car or connected cars, a smart grid, health care, smartappliances, and advanced medical services through convergence andcombination between existing information technology (IT) and variousindustrial applications.

In line with this, various attempts have been made to apply 5Gcommunication systems to IoT networks. For example, technologies, suchas a sensor network, MTC, and M2M communication may be implemented bybeamforming, MIMO, and array antennas. Application of a cloud RAN as theabove-described big data processing technology may also be considered tobe as an example of convergence between the 5G technology and the IoTtechnology.

In recent years, several broadband wireless technologies have beendeveloped to meet the growing number of broadband subscribers and toprovide more and better applications and services such as these. Thesecond generation (2G) wireless communication system has been developedto provide voice services while ensuring the mobility of users. Thirdgeneration (3G) wireless communication system supports the voice serviceand data service. The 4G wireless communication system has beendeveloped to provide high-speed data service. However, the 4G wirelesscommunication system currently suffers from lack of resources to meetthe growing demand for high speed data services. Therefore, the 5Gwireless communication system is being developed to meet the growingdemand of various services with diverse requirements, e.g., high-speeddata services, support ultra-reliability and low-latency applications.

In addition, the 5G wireless communication system is expected to addressdifferent use cases having quite different requirements in terms of datarate, latency, reliability, mobility etc. However, it is expected thatthe design of the air-interface of the 5G wireless communication systemwill be flexible enough to serve user equipments (UEs) having quitedifferent capabilities depending on the use case and market segment inwhich the UE caters service to the end customer. Example use cases the5G wireless communication system is expected to address includesenhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication(m-MTC), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLL), etc. The eMBBrequirements (e.g., tens of Gbps data rate, low-latency, high-mobility,and so on) address the market segment representing the wirelessbroadband subscribers needing internet connectivity everywhere, all thetime and on the go. The m-MTC requirements (e.g., very high connectiondensity, infrequent data transmission, very long battery life, lowmobility address and so on) address the market segment representing theIoT/IoE envisioning connectivity of billions of devices. The URLLrequirements (e.g., very low latency, very high reliability variablemobility, and so forth) address the market segment representing theIndustrial automation application andvehicle-to-vehicle/vehicle-to-infrastructure communication that isforeseen as one of the enablers for autonomous cars.

In the 5G (also referred as NR or new radio) wireless communicationsystem, random access (RA) procedure is used to achieve uplink timesynchronization. RA procedure is used during initial access, handover,radio resource control (RRC) connection re-establishment procedure,scheduling request transmission, secondary cell group (SCG)addition/modification and data or control information transmission inuplink by non-synchronized user equipment (UE) in RRC_CONNECTED state.During the RA procedure (which comprise of 4 step s), UE first transmitsRA preamble (also referred as message 1 (Msg1)) and then waits forrandom access response (RAR) or message 2 (Msg2) in the RAR windowcorresponding to its RA preamble transmission. Next generation node B(gNB) transmits the RAR on physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)addressed to RA-radio network temporary identifier (RNTI). RA-RNTIidentifies the time-frequency resource (also referred as physical randomaccess channel (PRACH) occasion or PRACH transmission (TX) occasion orrandom access channel (RACH) occasion) in which RA preamble was detectedby gNB. The maximum size of RAR-window is one radio frame, i.e., 10 ms.The RA-RNTI is calculated as follows:RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14*t_id+14*80*f_id+14*80*8*ul_carrier_id, where

s_id is the index of the first orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) symbol of the PRACH occasion where UE hastransmitted Msg1, i.e., RA preamble; 0≤s_id<14,

t_id is the index of the first slot of the PRACH occasion (0≤t_id<80),

f_id is the index of the PRACH occasion within the slot in the frequencydomain (0≤f_id<8), and

ul_carrier_id is the uplink (UL) carrier used for Msg1 transmission (0for normal uplink (NUL) carrier and 1 for supplementary uplink (SUL)carrier).

Several RARs for various RA preamble detected by gNB can be multiplexedin the same RAR media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) bygNB. An RAR in MAC PDU corresponds to UE's RA preamble transmission ifit includes random access preamble identifier (RAPID) of RA preambletransmitted by it. If the RAR corresponding to its RA preambletransmission is not received during the RAR window and UE has not yettransmitted the RA preamble for a configurable (configured by gNB inRACH configuration) number of times, UE retransmits the RA preamble.

If the RAR corresponding to its RA preamble transmission is received andUE has transmitted a dedicated RA preamble, RA procedure is consideredsuccessful. If the UE has transmitted a non-dedicated (i.e.,contention-based) RA preamble then upon successful reception of RAR, UEtransmits message 3 (Msg3) in UL grant received in RAR. Msg3 includesmessage such as RRC connection request, RRC connection re-establishmentrequest, RRC handover confirm, scheduling request, etc. It also includesthe UE identity (i.e., cell-RNTI (C-RNTI) or system architectureevolution (SAE)-temporary mobile subscriber identity (S-TMSI) or arandom number). After transmitting the Msg3, UE starts a contentionresolution timer. While the contention resolution timer is running, ifUE receives a PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI included in Msg3, contentionresolution is considered successful, contention resolution timer isstopped and RA procedure is completed. While the contention resolutiontimer is running, if UE receives contention resolution MAC controlelement (CE) including the UE's contention resolution identity (first Xbits of common control channel (CCCH) service data unit (SDU)transmitted in Msg3), contention resolution is considered successful,contention resolution timer is stopped and RA procedure is completed. Ifthe contention resolution timer expires and UE has not yet transmittedthe RA preamble for a configurable number of times, UE retransmits theRA preamble.

In the 5G (also referred as NR or New Radio) wireless communicationsystem, 2 step contention-free RA (CFRA) procedure is also supported.CFRA procedure is used for scenarios such as handover where low latencyis required, timing advance establishment for secondary cell (S cell),etc. gNB assigns to UE non-contention RA preamble in dedicatedsignaling. UE transmits the assigned non-contention RA preamble. gNBtransmits the RAR on PDSCH addressed to RA-RNTI. RAR conveys RA preambleidentifier and timing alignment information. RAR may also include ULgrant. RAR is transmitted in RAR window similar to contention-based RAprocedure. Contention free RA procedure terminates after receiving theRAR.

In order to reduce the latency of 4 step contention based RA (CBRA)procedure, a 2 step RACH procedure is being studied. The 2 step RACHprocedure refers to the procedure which can complete RACH procedure intwo steps. It comprises of 2 messages, i.e., message A (MsgA) andmessage B (MsgB).

FIG. 1 shows signaling flows between a UE and a gNB for 2 step RACHprocedure according to related art.

Referring to FIG. 1, the UE transmits MsgA to the gNB at operation 110.In response, the gNB transmits MsgB to the UE at operation 120. Thechannel structure of MsgA includes PRACH preamble and physical uplinkshared channel (PUSCH) carrying payload. PRACH preamble and PUSCH in aMsgA is time division multiplexed (TDMed).

In the 2 step CBRA procedure, UE sends additional information, i.e., UEidentifier (ID) along with PRACH preamble in first step (i.e., MsgA).The UE ID can be one of random ID, S-TMSI, C-RNTI, resume ID,international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), idle mode ID, inactivemode ID, inactive-RNTI (I-RNTI) etc. The UE ID can be different indifferent scenarios in which UE performs the 2 step RA procedure. WhenUE performs 2 step RA procedure after power on (e.g., before it isattached/registered to the network), then the UE ID is the random ID.When UE performs the 2 step RA procedure in IDLE state after it isattached/registered to the network, the UE ID is S-TMSI. If the UE hasan assigned C-RNTI (e.g., in connected state), the UE ID is C-RNTI. Incase the UE is in INACTIVE state, the UE ID is resume ID. In case MsgAincludes dedicated RACH preamble, UE ID can be skipped (i.e., notincluded) in MsgA. In this case, gNB can identify the UE based on adedicated preamble.

In addition to the UE ID, some additional control information can betransmitted in MsgA. The control information may include one or more ofconnection request indication, connection (re-)establishment cause,connection resume request indication, system information (SI) requestindication, information about SI message(s) requested, buffer statusindication/report, beam information (e.g., one or more downlink (DL) TXbeam ID(s) or synchronization signal block (SSB) ID(s)), beam failurerecovery indication/information, data indicator, cell/base station(BS)/transmission reception point (TRP) switching indication, connectionre-establishment indication, reconfiguration complete or handovercomplete message, etc. Note that any other control information is notprecluded. Similar to 2 step CBRA, in a 2 step CFRA procedure,additional information can also be transmitted in MsgA in addition tothe preamble.

In the disclosure, the 4 step RA procedure refers to a legacy RAprocedure comprising Msg1 to Msg4 as described in the TS 38.321 and TS36.321 specifications.

Issue 1: In RRC_CONNECTED state, during the 2 step RACH procedure, theUE transmits MsgA wherein the C-RNTI is included in the MsgA payload.After transmitting the MsgA in the 2 step RA procedure, the UE monitorsPDCCH for MsgB reception. In an embodiment, UE monitors PDCCH for MsgBreception in a time window wherein the window starts at an offset fromthe end of the PUSCH transmission of MsgA. The size of the window issignaled by gNB in SI or RRC signaling. According to current proposals,after transmitting the MsgA including C-RNTI, if the UE receives PDCCHaddressed to C-RNTI, contention resolution is considered successful and2 step RACH procedure is successfully completed. During the 2 step RACHprocedure for handover, SCG addition etc., the UE needs to also receivea timing advance (TA) command (12 bit). Note that the UE will need theTA to transmit a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledge(ACK) (if PDCCH schedules DL transport block (TB)) or PUSCH (if PDCCHschedules UL TB). However, in the above operation, the TA command is notreceived. Thus, a contention resolution mechanism would benefit frombeing enhanced.

Issue 2: According to current proposals, the network can control thenumber of times ‘N’, and a UE can transmit MsgA during the RA procedure.If the random access procedure is not successfully completed even aftertransmitting the MsgA ‘N’ times, the UE fallbacks to 4 step RACHprocedure, i.e., the UE only (re-) transmits the PRACH preamble for theremaining RACH procedure. In case of congestion, it would be beneficialfor there to be a mechanism to switch the UEs from 2 step RACH procedureto 4 step RACH procedure.

The above information is presented as background information only toassist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination hasbeen made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the abovemight be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

SUMMARY

During a 2 step random access channel (RACH) procedure, a UE needs toreceive a timing advance (TA) command. Thus, contention resolutionmechanism for the 2 step RACH procedure needs to be enhanced to receiveTA command.

In case of congestion, it would beneficial for there to be a mechanismto switch the UEs from 2 step RACH procedure to 4 step RACH procedure.

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentionedproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to providea communication method and system for converging a 5th generation (5G)communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4thgeneration (4G) system.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a method by a terminalfor performing a random access (RA) procedure is provided. The methodincludes transmitting, to a base station, a first message of a 2 step RAprocedure including an RA preamble and a cell-radio network temporaryidentifier (C-RNTI), receiving, from the base station, a second messageof the 2 step RA procedure on a physical downlink control channel(PDCCH) addressed to the C-RNTI, identifying whether a time alignmenttimer (TAT) is running or not, and determining that the 2 step RAprocedure is completed successfully in case that the TAT is running andthe PDCCH schedules an uplink (UL) transport block (TB) for a newtransmission.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method by a basestation for performing an RA procedure is provided. The method includesreceiving, from a terminal, a first message of a 2 step RA procedureincluding an RA preamble and a C-RNTI, and transmitting, to theterminal, a second message of the 2 step RA procedure on a PDCCHaddressed to the C-RNTI. The 2 step RA procedure is completedsuccessfully in case that a TAT of the terminal is running and the PDCCHschedules a UL TB for a new transmission.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a terminal in awireless communication system is provided. The terminal includes atransceiver and at least one processor configured to transmit, to a basestation via the transceiver, a first message of a 2 step RA procedureincluding an RA preamble and a C-RNTI, receive, from the base stationvia the transceiver, a second message of the 2 step RA procedure on aPDCCH addressed to the C-RNTI, identify whether a TAT is running or not,and determine that the 2 step RA procedure is completed successfully incase that the TAT is running and the PDCCH schedules a UL TB for a newtransmission.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a base station in awireless communication system is provided. The base station includes atransceiver and at least one processor configured to receive, from aterminal via the transceiver, a first message of a 2 step RA procedureincluding an RA preamble and a C-RNTI, and transmit, to the terminal viathe transceiver, a second message of the 2 step RA procedure on a PDCCHaddressed to the C-RNTI. The 2 step RA procedure is completedsuccessfully in case that a TAT of the terminal is running and the PDCCHschedules a UL TB for a new transmission.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments.

The UE uses a TA to transmit hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ)acknowledge (ACK) (if physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)schedules downlink (DL) transport block (TB)) or physical uplink sharedchannel (PUSCH) (if PDCCH schedules uplink (UL) TB).

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows signaling flows between a user equipment (UE) and a nextgeneration node B (gNB) for 2 step random access channel (RACH)procedure according to related art;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for 2 step random access (RA) procedureaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart for 2 step RA procedure according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for 2 step RA procedure according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart for 2 step RA procedure according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows signaling flows between a UE and a gNB for switching from 2step RA procedure to 4 step RACH procedure according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows signaling flows between a UE and a gNB for switching from 2step RA procedure to 4 step RACH procedure according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows signaling flows between a UE and a gNB for switching from 2step RA procedure to 4 step RACH procedure according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows signaling flows between a UE and a gNB for switching from 2step RA procedure to 4 step RACH procedure according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a base station according to an embodimentof the disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood torefer to like parts, components, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of variousembodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the various embodiments describedherein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions andconstructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by inventorto enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure.Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that thefollowing description of various embodiments of the disclosure isprovided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose oflimiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic,parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations orvariations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error,measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those ofskill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effectthe characteristic was intended to provide.

It is known to those skilled in the art that blocks of a flowchart (orsequence diagram) and a combination of flowcharts may be represented andexecuted by computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions may be loaded on a processor of a general purpose computer,special-purpose computer, or programmable data processing equipment.When the loaded program instructions are executed by the processor, theycreate a means for carrying out functions described in the flowchart.Because the computer program instructions may be stored in a computerreadable memory that is usable in a specialized computer or aprogrammable data processing equipment, it is also possible to createarticles of manufacture that carry out functions described in theflowchart. Because the computer program instructions may be loaded on acomputer or a programmable data processing equipment, when executed asprocesses, they may carry out operations of functions described in theflowchart.

A block of a flowchart may correspond to a module, a segment, or a codecontaining one or more executable instructions implementing one or morelogical functions, or may correspond to a part thereof. In some cases,functions described by blocks may be executed in an order different fromthe listed order. For example, two blocks listed in sequence may beexecuted at the same time or executed in reverse order.

In this description, the words “unit”, “module” or the like may refer toa software component or hardware component, such as, for example, afield-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) capable of carrying out a function or anoperation. However, a “unit”, or the like, is not limited to hardware orsoftware. A unit, or the like, may be configured so as to reside in anaddressable storage medium or to drive one or more processors. Units, orthe like, may also refer to software components, object-orientedsoftware components, class components, task components, processes,functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments,drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, datastructures, tables, arrays or variables. A function provided by acomponent and unit may be a combination of smaller components and units,and may be combined with others to compose larger components and units.Components and units may be configured to drive a device or one or moreprocessors in a secure multimedia card.

Prior to the detailed description, terms or definitions necessary tounderstand the disclosure are described. However, these terms should beconstrued in a non-limiting way.

A base station (BS) is an entity communicating with a user equipment(UE) and may be referred to as a BS, a base transceiver station (BTS), anode B (NB), an evolved NB (eNB), an access point (AP), a fifthgeneration (5G) NB (5GNB), or a next generation NB (gNB).

A UE is an entity communicating with a BS and may be referred to as aUE, a device, a mobile station (MS), a mobile equipment (ME), or aterminal.

I. Contention Resolution for 2 Step Random Access (RA) in Radio ResourceControl (RRC) CONNECTED

In RRC_CONNECTED state, during the 2 step random access channel (RACH)procedure, UE transmits message A (MsgA) wherein the cell-radio networktemporary identifier (C-RNTI) is included in MsgA payload. Aftertransmitting the MsgA in 2 step RA procedure, UE monitors physicaldownlink control channel (PDCCH) for message B (MsgB) reception. In anembodiment, UE monitors PDCCH for MsgB reception in a time windowwherein the window starts at an offset from the end of the physicaluplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission of MsgA. The size of thewindow is signaled by gNB in system information (SI) or RRC signaling.According to current proposals, after transmitting the MsgA includingC-RNTI, if UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI, contention resolutionis considered successful and 2 step RACH procedure is successfullycompleted. During the 2 step RACH procedure for handover, SCG additionetc., UE needs to also receive timing advance (TA) command (12 bit).Note that UE will need TA to transmit hybrid automatic repeat request(HARQ) acknowledge (ACK) (if PDCCH schedules downlink (DL) transportblock (TB)) or PUSCH (if PDCCH schedules uplink (UL) TB).

Method 1:

UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and 2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACHprocedure can be initiated by UE (e.g., for scheduling request (SR) orupon receiving reconfiguration with sync from gNB) or it can beinitiated by network (e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable synchronization signal block (SSB) wherean SSB is suitable if synchronization signal-reference signal receivedpower (SS-RSRP) of that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of asuitable SSB among multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. Ifa suitable SSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to benoted the in case of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RSin similar manner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and physical random access channel (PRACH) occasionselection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or message 2 (Msg2)) includinginformation to fallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be ableto determine the SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgAinstead of MsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACHoccasions in 2 step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. Theinformation (such as number of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number ofpreambles per SSB) about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACHconfiguration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required,media access control (MAC) control elements (CEs)) is greater thanra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and the pathloss is less thanPCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the common control channel (CCCH) logical channel andthe CCCH service data unit (SDU) size plus MAC subheader is greater thanra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RA preambles group B. Otherwise,the UE selects the RA preambles group A. If RA preambles group B is notconfigured, UE selects RA preambles group A.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource Selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and hence it includes at least C-RNTI in MsgApayload. Other information (e.g., buffer state report (BSR), powerheadroom report (PHR), etc.) if available can be included according tological channel prioritization.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s).

7. Criteria for successful contention resolution and 2 step RA procedurecompletion in case C-RNTI was included in MsgA

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for 2 step RA procedure according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, UE transmits MsgA at operation 210. MsgA payloadincludes C-RNTI. The UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI atoperation 220. The UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI at operation230. The UE determines whether TimingAllignementTimer (TAT) is runningat operation 240. Note that there can be one or more timing advancedgroups (TAGs) in the UE. Timing advanced group is a group of servingcells that is configured by RRC and that, for the cells with a ULconfigured, uses the same timing reference cell and the same timingadvance value. A timing advance group containing the special cell(SpCell) of a MAC entity is referred to as primary timing advance group(PTAG), whereas the term secondary timing advance group (STAG) refers toother TAGs. TAT is maintained separately for each TAG. At operation 240,TAT corresponds to the TAG of the cell on which MsgA is transmitted. If2 step RA procedure is supported only for SpCell, TAT corresponds to thePTAG.

If TAT is running and UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI, contentionresolution is successful and 2 step RA procedure is completedsuccessfully at operation 250. In one embodiment, this PDCCH addressedto C-RNTI schedules UL TB. In another embodiment, this PDCCH addressedto C-RNTI schedules UL TB or DL TB.

Else if TAT is not running and UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTIscheduling DL TB and absolute timing advance command is received in thescheduled DL TB, contention resolution is successful and 2 step RAprocedure is completed successfully at operation 260.

Absolute timing advance command can be included in MAC PDU (e.g. in aMAC CE). Alternately, it can be included in downlink control information(DCI). The received absolute timing advance command is applied to TAG ofthe cell on which MsgA is transmitted. If 2 step RA procedure issupported only for SpCell, absolute timing advance command is applied tothe PTAG.

Absolute timing advance command [11, TS 38.321], T_(A), for a timingadvanced group (TAG) indicates N_(TA) values by index values of T_(A)=0,1, 2, . . . , 3846, where an amount of the time alignment for the TAGwith subcarrier spacing (SCS) of 2^(μ)·15 kHz isN_(TA)=T_(A)·16·64/2^(μ). N_(TA) is defined in [4, TS 38.211].

8. SCS for TA Command: In case of 2 step RACH procedure, N_(TA) isrelative to the SCS of the first uplink transmission from the UE afterthe reception of the MsgB. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the PUSCH in MsgA. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the first uplink transmission if UL grant is received inMsgB/Msg2, and it is relative to the SCS of the PUSCH in MsgA if ULgrant is not received in MsgB. In 4 step RACH procedure, if TAT timer isrunning, the received TA command is ignored. In an embodiment, in caseof 2 step RACH procedure irrespective of TAT timer is running or not, UEapplies the received TA command.

Method 2:

UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and 2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACHprocedure can be initiated by UE (e.g., for SR or upon receivingreconfiguration with sync from gNB) or it can be initiated by network(e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable SSB where an SSB is suitable if SS-RSRPof that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of a suitable SSBamong multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. If a suitableSSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to be noted the incase of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RS in similarmanner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and PRACH Occasion Selection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or Msg2) including information tofallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be able to determinethe SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgA instead ofMsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACH occasions in 2step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. The information (such asnumber of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number of preambles per SSB)about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACH configuration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required, MACCEs) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and thepathloss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plusMAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RApreambles group B. Otherwise, the UE selects the RA preambles group A.If RA preambles group B is not configured, UE selects RA preambles groupA.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and hence it includes at least C-RNTI in MsgApayload. Other information (e.g., BSR, PHR, etc.) if available can beincluded according to logical channel prioritization.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s).

7. Criteria for successful contention resolution and 2 step RA procedurecompletion in case C-RNTI was included in MsgA

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart for 2 step RA procedure according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the UE transmits MsgA at operation 310. MsgApayload includes C-RNTI. The UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to C-RNTIat operation 320. The UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI at operation330.

If the UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI scheduling DL TB andabsolute TA command is received in scheduled DL TB, contentionresolution is successful and 2 step RA procedure is completedsuccessfully at operation 340. The received absolute timing advancecommand is applied to TAG of the cell on which MsgA is transmitted. If 2step RA procedure is supported only for SpCell, absolute timing advancecommand is applied to the PTAG.

Absolute timing advance command can be included in MAC PDU. Alternately,it can be included in DCI.

Absolute timing advance command [11, TS 38.321], T_(A), for a TAGindicates N_(TA) values by index values of T_(A)=0, 1, 2, . . . , 3846,where an amount of the time alignment for the TAG with SCS of 2^(μ)·15kHz is N_(TA)=T_(A)·16·64/2^(μ). N_(TA) is defined in [4, TS 38.211].

8. SCS for TA Command: In case of 2 step RACH procedure, N_(TA) isrelative to the SCS of the first uplink transmission from the UE afterthe reception of the MsgB. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the PUSCH in MsgA. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the first uplink transmission if UL grant is received inMsgB/Msg2, and it is relative to the SCS of the PUSCH in MsgA if ULgrant is not received in MsgB. In 4 step RACH procedure, if TAT timer isrunning, the received TA command is ignored. In an embodiment, in caseof 2 step RACH procedure irrespective of TAT timer is running or not, UEapplies the received TA command.

Method 3:

UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and 2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACHprocedure can be initiated by UE (e.g., for SR or upon receivingreconfiguration with sync from gNB) or it can be initiated by network(e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable SSB where an SSB is suitable if SS-RSRPof that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of a suitable SSBamong multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. If a suitableSSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to be noted the incase of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RS in similarmanner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and PRACH occasion selection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or Msg2) including information tofallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be able to determinethe SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgA instead ofMsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACH occasions in 2step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. The information (such asnumber of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number of preambles per SSB)about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACH configuration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required, MACCEs) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and thepathloss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plusMAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RApreambles group B. Otherwise, the UE selects the RA preambles group A.If RA preambles group B is not configured, UE selects RA preambles groupA.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and hence it includes at least C-RNTI in MsgApayload. Other information (e.g., BSR, PHR, etc.) if available can beincluded according to logical channel prioritization.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s).

7. Criteria for successful contention resolution and 2 step RA procedurecompletion in case C-RNTI was included in MsgA

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for 2 step RA procedure according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the UE transmits MsgA at operation 410. MsgApayload includes C-RNTI. The UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to C-RNTIat operation 420. The UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI at operation430. The UE determines whether TAT is running at operation 440. Notethat there can be one or more timing advanced groups in the UE. Timingadvanced group is a group of serving cells that is configured by RRC andthat, for the cells with a UL configured, uses the same timing referencecell and the same timing advance value. A timing advance groupcontaining the SpCell of a MAC entity is referred to as PTAG, whereasthe term STAG refers to other TAGs. TAT is maintained separately foreach TAG. At operation 440, TAT corresponds to the TAG of the cell onwhich MsgA is transmitted. If 2 step RA procedure is supported only forSpCell, TAT corresponds to the PTAG.

If TAT is running and UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI, contentionresolution is successful and 2 step RA procedure is completedsuccessfully at operation 450. In one embodiment, this PDCCH addressedto C-RNTI schedules UL TB. In another embodiment, this PDCCH addressedto C-RNTI schedules UL TB or DL TB.

Else if TAT is not running and UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI andit includes absolute TA command, contention resolution is successful and2 step RA procedure is completed successfully at operation 460. In oneembodiment, this PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI schedules UL TB. In anotherembodiment, this PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI schedules UL TB or DL TB. Thereceived absolute timing advance command is applied to TAG of the cellon which MsgA is transmitted. If 2 step RA procedure is supported onlyfor SpCell, absolute Timing advance command is applied to the PTAG.

Absolute timing advance command [11, TS 38.321], T_(A), for a TAGindicates N_(TA) values by index values of T_(A)=0, 1, 2, . . . , 3846,where an amount of the time alignment for the TAG with SCS of 2^(μ)·15kHz is N_(TA)=T_(A)·16·64/2^(μ). N_(TA) is defined in [4, TS 38.211].

8. SCS for TA Command: In case of 2 step RACH procedure, N_(TA) isrelative to the SCS of the first uplink transmission from the UE afterthe reception of the MsgB. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the PUSCH in MsgA. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the first uplink transmission if UL grant is received inMsgB/Msg2, and it is relative to the SCS of the PUSCH in MsgA if ULgrant is not received in MsgB. In 4 step RACH procedure, if TAT timer isrunning, the received TA command is ignored. In an embodiment, in caseof 2 step RACH procedure irrespective of TAT timer is running or not, UEapplies the received TA command.

Method 4:

UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and 2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACHprocedure can be initiated by UE (e.g., for SR or upon receivingreconfiguration with sync from gNB) or it can be initiated by network(e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable SSB where an SSB is suitable if SS-RSRPof that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of a suitable SSBamong multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. If a suitableSSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to be noted the incase of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RS in similarmanner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and PRACH occasion selection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or Msg2) including information tofallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be able to determinethe SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgA instead ofMsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACH occasions in 2step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. The information (such asnumber of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number of preambles per SSB)about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACH configuration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required, MACCEs) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and thepathloss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plusMAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RApreambles group B. Otherwise, the UE selects the RA preambles group A.If RA preambles group B is not configured, UE selects RA preambles groupA.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and hence it includes at least C-RNTI in MsgApayload. Other information (e.g., BSR, PHR, etc.) if available can beincluded according to logical channel prioritization.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s).

7. Criteria for successful contention resolution and 2 step RA procedurecompletion in case C-RNTI was included in MsgA

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart for 2 step RA procedure according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the UE transmits MsgA at operation 510. MsgApayload includes C-RNTI. The UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to C-RNTIat operation 520. The UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI at operation530.

If UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI and it includes absolute TAcommand, contention resolution is successful and 2 step RA procedure iscompleted successfully at operation 540. In one embodiment, this PDCCHaddressed to C-RNTI schedules UL TB. In another embodiment, this PDCCHaddressed to C-RNTI schedules UL TB or DL TB. The received absolutetiming advance command is applied to TAG of the cell on which MsgA istransmitted. If 2 step RA procedure is supported only for SpCell,absolute Timing advance command is applied to the PTAG.

Absolute timing advance command [11, TS 38.321], T_(A), for a TAGindicates N_(TA) values by index values of T_(A)=0, 1, 2, . . . , 3846,where an amount of the time alignment for the TAG with SCS of 2^(μ)·15kHz is N_(TA)=T_(A)·16·64/2^(μ). N_(TA) is defined in [4, TS 38.211].

8. SCS for TA Command: In case of 2 step RACH procedure, N_(TA) srelative to the SCS of the first uplink transmission from the UE afterthe reception of the MsgB. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the PUSCH in MsgA. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the first uplink transmission if UL grant is received inMsgB/Msg2, and it is relative to the SCS of the PUSCH in MsgA if ULgrant is not received in MsgB. In 4 step RACH procedure, if TAT timer isrunning, the received TA command is ignored. In an embodiment, in caseof 2 step RACH procedure irrespective of TAT timer is running or not, UEapplies the received TA command.

Method 5:

UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and 2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACHprocedure can be initiated by UE (e.g., for SR or upon receivingreconfiguration with sync from gNB) or it can be initiated by network(e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable SSB where an SSB is suitable if SS-RSRPof that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of a suitable SSBamong multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. If a suitableSSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to be noted the incase of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RS in similarmanner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and PRACH occasion selection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or Msg2) including information tofallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be able to determinethe SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgA instead ofMsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACH occasions in 2step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. The information (such asnumber of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number of preambles per SSB)about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACH configuration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required, MACCEs) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and thepathloss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plusMAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RApreambles group B. Otherwise, the UE selects the RA preambles group A.If RA preambles group B is not configured, UE selects RA preambles groupA.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and hence it includes at least C-RNTI in MsgApayload. Other information (e.g., BSR, PHR, etc.) if available can beincluded according to logical channel prioritization.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s).

7. Criteria for successful contention resolution and 2 step RA procedurecompletion in case C-RNTI was included in MsgA

If TAT is running and UE receives MsgB including its C-RNTI, contentionresolution is successful and 2 step RA procedure is completedsuccessfully. Note that there can be one or more timing advanced groupsin the UE. Timing advanced group is a group of serving cells that isconfigured by RRC and that, for the cells with a UL configured, uses thesame timing reference cell and the same timing advance value. A timingadvance group containing the SpCell of a MAC entity is referred to asPTAG, whereas the term STAG refers to other TAGs. TAT is maintainedseparately for each TAG. So the TAT in this operation corresponds to theTAG of the cell on which MsgA is transmitted. If 2 step RA procedure issupported only for SpCell, TAT corresponds to the PTAG. The receivedabsolute timing advance command is applied to TAG of the cell on whichMsgA is transmitted. If 2 step RA procedure is supported only forSpCell, absolute timing advance command is applied to the PTAG.

Else if TAT is not running and UE receives MsgB including its C-RNTI andit includes absolute TA command, contention resolution is successful and2 step RA procedure is completed successfully.

Absolute timing advance command [11, TS 38.321], T_(A), for a TAGindicates N_(TA) values by index values of T_(A)=0, 1, 2, . . . , 3846,where an amount of the time alignment for the TAG with SCS of 2^(μ)·15kHz is N_(TA)=T_(A)·16·64/2^(μ). N_(TA) is defined in [4, TS 38.211].

8. SCS for TA Command: In case of 2 step RACH procedure, N_(TA) isrelative to the SCS of the first uplink transmission from the UE afterthe reception of the MsgB. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the PUSCH in MsgA. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the first uplink transmission if UL grant is received inMsgB/Msg2, and it is relative to the SCS of the PUSCH in MsgA if ULgrant is not received in MsgB. In 4 step RACH procedure, if TAT timer isrunning, the received TA command is ignored. In an embodiment, in caseof 2 step RACH procedure irrespective of TAT timer is running or not, UEapplies the received TA command.

Method 6:

UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and 2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACHprocedure can be initiated by UE (e.g., for SR or upon receivingreconfiguration with sync from gNB) or it can be initiated by network(e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable SSB where an SSB is suitable if SS-RSRPof that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of a suitable SSBamong multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. If a suitableSSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to be noted the incase of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RS in similarmanner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and PRACH occasion selection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or Msg2) including information tofallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be able to determinethe SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgA instead ofMsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACH occasions in 2step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. The information (such asnumber of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number of preambles per SSB)about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACH configuration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required, MACCEs) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and thepathloss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plusMAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RApreambles group B. Otherwise, the UE selects the RA preambles group A.If RA preambles group B is not configured, UE selects RA preambles groupA.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE is in RRC_CONNECTED and hence it includes at least C-RNTI in MsgApayload. Other information (e.g., BSR, PHR, etc.) if available can beincluded according to logical channel prioritization.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s).

7. Criteria for successful contention resolution and 2 step RA procedurecompletion in case C-RNTI was included in MsgA

If UE receives MsgB including its C-RNTI and it includes absolute TAcommand, contention resolution is successful and 2 step RA procedure iscompleted successfully. The received absolute timing advance command isapplied to TAG of the cell on which MsgA is transmitted. If 2 step RAprocedure is supported only for SpCell, absolute timing advance commandis applied to the PTAG.

Absolute timing advance command [11, TS 38.321], T_(A), for a TAGindicates N_(TA) values by index values of T_(A)=0, 1, 2, . . . , 3846,where an amount of the time alignment for the TAG with SCS of 2^(μ)·15kHz is N_(TA)=T_(A)·16·64/2^(μ). N_(TA) is defined in [4, TS 38.211].

8. SCS for TA Command: In case of 2 step RACH procedure, N_(TA) isrelative to the SCS of the first uplink transmission from the UE afterthe reception of the MsgB. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the PUSCH in MsgA. In another embodiment, it is relative to theSCS of the first uplink transmission if UL grant is received inMsgB/Msg2, and it is relative to the SCS of the PUSCH in MsgA if ULgrant is not received in MsgB. In 4 step RACH procedure, if TAT timer isrunning, the received TA command is ignored. In an embodiment, in caseof 2 step RACH procedure irrespective of TAT timer is running or not, UEapplies the received TA command.

II. HARQ Feedback for MsgB

2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACH procedure can be initiated byUE (e.g., for SR or upon receiving reconfiguration with sync from gNB)or it can be initiated by network (e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable SSB where an SSB is suitable if SS-RSRPof that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of a suitable SSBamong multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. If a suitableSSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to be noted the incase of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RS in similarmanner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and PRACH occasion selection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or Msg2) including information tofallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be able to determinethe SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgA instead ofMsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACH occasions in 2step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. The information (such asnumber of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number of preambles per SSB)about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACH configuration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required, MACCEs) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and thepathloss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plusMAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RApreambles group B. Otherwise, the UE selects the RA preambles group A.If RA preambles group B is not configured, UE selects RA preambles groupA.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE generates MsgA payload.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s).

7. If UE receives MsgB and contention resolution is successful uponreceiving the MsgB, UE transmits HARQ ACK for the TB in which this MsgBwas received.

For 2 step RACH procedure, physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) HARQfeedback timing indicator is included in the PDCCH addressed to RA-RNTI(or RNTI for MsgB reception). Alternately, HARQ feedback timingindicator can be included in MsgB. PDSCH HARQ feedback timing indicatoris an index to an entry in list of K1 values which is configured by RRC.If PDSCH for MsgB ends in slot ‘n’, UE transmits HARQ ACK in slot‘n+K1’. For 4 step RACH procedure, PDSCH HARQ feedback timing indicatoris not included in the PDCCH addressed to RA-RNTI.

8. If UE receives MsgB and contention resolution is not successful uponreceiving the MsgB, UE does not transmit HARQ ACK for the TB in whichthis MsgB was received.

III. Switching from 2 Step RA to 4 Step RA Procedure

It is proposed that network can direct UE(s) performing 2 step RACHprocedure to switch to 4 step RACH procedure in case of congestion on 2step RACH resources. gNB can signal a pre-defined backoff index or aseparate indication in MsgB to direct the UE(s) performing 2 step RACHprocedure to switch to 4 step RACH procedure, i.e., UE only (re-)transmits the PRACH preamble for the remaining RACH procedure.

Method 1:

2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACH procedure can be initiated byUE (e.g., for SR or upon receiving reconfiguration with sync from gNB)or it can be initiated by network (e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable SSB where an SSB is suitable if SS-RSRPof that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of a suitable SSBamong multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. If a suitableSSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to be noted the incase of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RS in similarmanner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and PRACH occasion selection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or Msg2) including information tofallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be able to determinethe SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgA instead ofMsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACH occasions in 2step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. The information (such asnumber of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number of preambles per SSB)about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACH configuration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required, MACCEs) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and thepathloss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plusMAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RApreambles group B. Otherwise, the UE selects the RA preambles group A.If RA preambles group B is not configured, UE selects RA preambles groupA.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE generates MsgA payload.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s) (e.g., RA-RNTI(or RNTI for MsgB reception), C-RNTI).

7. Network controlled switching: In this method, gNB can signal apre-defined backoff index in MsgB to direct the UE(s) performing 2 stepRACH procedure to switch to 4 step RACH procedure.

FIG. 6 shows signaling flows between a UE and a gNB for switching from 2step RA procedure to 4 step RACH procedure according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the UE transmits MsgA to the gNB at operation 610.In response, the gNB transmits MsgB to the UE at operation 620. Uponreceiving MsgB, if the RA procedure is not successfully completed andthe received MsgB includes a pre-defined backoff index, UE switches to 4step RACH procedure, i.e., UE (re-) transmits the PRACH preamble (i.e.,Msg1) at operation 630.

In one embodiment, UE selects a random backoff time according to auniform distribution between 0 and the default back off value. Thedefault back off value can be pre-defined or signaled by gNB in systeminformation or dedicated RRC signaling. In an embodiment, defaultbackoff value can be the backoff value corresponding to backoffindex=pre-defined backoff index−1. In another embodiment, defaultbackoff value can be the backoff value corresponding to backoffindex=pre-defined backoff index. Note that backoff values for variousbackoff indexes are pre-defined. After the back off time UE switches to4 step RACH procedure.

In another embodiment, gNB may signal two backoff indexes in MsgB. Onebackoff index is set to a pre-defined backoff index. Another backoffindex is set to a non-predefined backoff index. UE selects a randombackoff time according to a uniform distribution between 0 and the backoff value corresponding to the non pre-defined backoff index. After theback off time, UE switches to 4 step RACH procedure as MsgB includes thepre-defined backoff index.

8. Handling counters upon switching: Upon initiation of RA procedure, UEsets the PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER andPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER to 1. For each subsequent MsgAtransmission (PRACH preamble and PUSCH (i.e. MsgA payload)), UEincrements PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER. For each subsequent MsgAtransmission, PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER is increments if all of thefollowing conditions are met: if the notification of suspending powerramping counter has not been received from lower layers; and if listenbefore talk (LBT) failure indication was not received from lower layersfor the last RA preamble transmission; and if SSB or CSI-RS selected isnot changed from the selection in the last RA preamble transmission.

Upon switching to 4 step RACH procedure (based on above procedure (as inFIG. 6) or any other trigger), UE handles thePREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER as follows:

Option 1: UE resets the counters, i.e., it setsPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER and PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER to 1.

Option 2: UE does not reset PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER andPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER. For example, before switching, ifPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER corresponding to last MsgA transmissionwas X, PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER for 1^(st) Msg1 transmission in 4step RACH procedure is X+1. For example, before switching, ifPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER corresponding to last MsgA transmissionwas Y, PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER for 1^(st) Msg1 transmission in 4step RACH procedure is:

Y+1, if the notification of suspending power ramping counter has notbeen received from lower layers; and if LBT failure indication was notreceived from lower layers for the last RA preamble transmission; and ifSSB or CSI-RS selected is not changed from the selection in the last RApreamble transmission. Otherwise, it is Y.

Option 3: UE resets PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER. UE does not resetPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER.

In one embodiment, option to select can be indicated by network insystem information or dedicated RRC signaling or in MsgB.

In one embodiment, multiple backoff indexes can be pre-defined. Each ofthese pre-defined backoff indexes can be mapped to one of the optionslisted above.

Note that in all the options (option 1/2/3), UE will apply 4 step RACHconfiguration (power step, received target power, RA response (RAR)window size, etc.) upon switching to 4 step RACH procedure.

9. Preamble group selection upon switching: If UE is performing 4 stepRA procedure as a result of fallback/switching from 2 step RA procedure,UE shall not perform preamble group reselection for Msg1 transmission.UE uses the same preamble group as selected during 2 step RA procedure.This will enable UE to transmit MsgA payload as Msg3 during the 4 stepRA procedure.

10. UL carrier upon switching: If MsgA was transmitted on supplementaryUL (SUL) and SUL does not support 4 step RA procedure, UE uses UL uponswitching to 4 step RA procedure. If MsgA was transmitted on UL and ULdoes not support 4 step RA procedure, UE uses SUL upon switching to 4step RA procedure. In an embodiment, if MsgA was transmitted on SUL andSUL does not support 4 step RA procedure, UE does not switch to 4 stepRA procedure. In an embodiment, if MsgA was transmitted on UL and ULdoes not support 4 step RA procedure, UE does not switch to 4 step RAprocedure.

Method 2:

2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACH procedure can be initiated byUE (e.g., for SR or upon receiving reconfiguration with sync from gNB)or it can be initiated by network (e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable SSB where an SSB is suitable if SS-RSRPof that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of a suitable SSBamong multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. If a suitableSSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to be noted the incase of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RS in similarmanner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and PRACH occasion selection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or Msg2) including information tofallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be able to determinethe SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgA instead ofMsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACH occasions in 2step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. The information (such asnumber of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number of preambles per SSB)about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACH configuration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required, MACCEs) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and thepathloss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plusMAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RApreambles group B. Otherwise, the UE selects the RA preambles group A.If RA preambles group B is not configured, UE selects RA preambles groupA.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE generates MsgA payload.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s) (e.g., RA-RNTI(or RNTI for MsgB reception), C-RNTI).

7. Network controlled switching: In this method, gNB can signal apre-defined backoff index in MsgB to direct the UE(s) performing 2 stepRACH procedure to switch to 4 step RACH procedure.

FIG. 7 shows signaling flows between a UE and a gNB for switching from 2step RA procedure to 4 step RACH procedure according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the UE transmits MsgA to the gNB at operation 710.In response, the gNB transmits MsgB to the UE at operation 720. Uponreceiving MsgB, if the RA procedure is not successfully completed andthe received MsgB includes a pre-defined backoff index and a randomaccess preamble identifier (RAPID) corresponding to PRACH preamblestransmitted by UE in MsgA, UE switches to 4 step RACH procedure, i.e.,UE (re-) transmits the PRACH preamble (i.e., Msg1) at operation 730.

In one embodiment, UE selects a random backoff time according to auniform distribution between 0 and the default back off value. Thedefault back off value can be pre-defined or signaled by gNB in systeminformation or dedicated RRC signaling. In an embodiment, defaultbackoff value can be the backoff value corresponding to backoffindex=pre-defined backoff index−1. In another embodiment, defaultbackoff value can be the backoff value corresponding to backoffindex=pre-defined backoff index. Note that backoff values for variousbackoff indexes are pre-defined. After the back off time, UE switches to4 step RACH procedure.

In another embodiment, gNB may signal two backoff indexes in MsgB. Onebackoff index is set to a pre-defined backoff index. Another backoffindex is set to a non pre-defined backoff index. UE selects a randombackoff time according to a uniform distribution between 0 and the backoff value corresponding to the non pre-defined backoff index. After theback off time, UE switches to 4 step RACH procedure as MsgB includes thepre-defined backoff index.

8. Handling counters upon switching: Upon initiation of RA procedure, UEsets the PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER andPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER to 1. For each subsequent MsgAtransmission (PRACH preamble and PUSCH (i.e. MsgA payload)), UEincrements PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER. For each subsequent MsgAtransmission, PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER is increments if all of thefollowing conditions are met: if the notification of suspending powerramping counter has not been received from lower layers; and if LBTfailure indication was not received from lower layers for the last RApreamble transmission; and if SSB or CSI-RS selected is not changed fromthe selection in the last RA preamble transmission.

Upon switching to 4 step RACH procedure (based on above procedure (as inFIG. 6) or any other trigger), UE handles thePREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER as follows:

Option 1: UE resets the counters, i.e., it setsPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER and PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER to 1.

Option 2: UE does not reset PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER andPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER. For example, before switching, ifPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER corresponding to last MsgA transmissionwas X, PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER for 1^(st) Msg1 transmission in 4step RACH procedure is X+1. For example, before switching, ifPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER corresponding to last MsgA transmissionwas Y, PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER for 1^(st) Msg1 transmission in 4step RACH procedure is:

Y+1, if the notification of suspending power ramping counter has notbeen received from lower layers; and if LBT failure indication was notreceived from lower layers for the last RA preamble transmission; and ifSSB or CSI-RS selected is not changed from the selection in the last RApreamble transmission. Otherwise, it is Y.

Option 3: UE resets PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER. UE does not resetPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER.

In one embodiment, option to select can be indicated by network insystem information or dedicated RRC signaling or in MsgB.

In one embodiment, multiple backoff indexes can be pre-defined. Each ofthese pre-defined backoff indexes can be mapped to one of the optionslisted above.

Note that in all the options (option 1/2/3), UE will apply 4 step RACHconfiguration (power step, received target power, RAR window size, etc.)upon switching to 4 step RACH procedure.

9. Preamble group selection upon switching: If UE is performing 4 stepRA procedure as a result of fallback/switching from 2 step RA procedure,UE shall not perform preamble group reselection for Msg1 transmission.UE uses the same preamble group as selected during 2 step RA procedure.This will enable UE to transmit MsgA payload as Msg3 during the 4 stepRA procedure.

10. UL carrier upon switching: If MsgA was transmitted on SUL and SULdoes not support 4 step RA procedure, UE uses UL upon switching to 4step RA procedure. If MsgA was transmitted on UL and UL does not support4 step RA procedure, UE uses SUL upon switching to 4 step RA procedure.In an embodiment, if MsgA was transmitted on SUL and SUL does notsupport 4 step RA procedure, UE does not switch to 4 step RA procedure.In an embodiment, if MsgA was transmitted on UL and UL does not support4 step RA procedure, UE does not switch to 4 step RA procedure.

Method 3:

2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACH procedure can be initiated byUE (e.g., for SR or upon receiving reconfiguration with sync from gNB)or it can be initiated by network (e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable SSB where an SSB is suitable if SS-RSRPof that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of a suitable SSBamong multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. If a suitableSSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to be noted the incase of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RS in similarmanner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and PRACH occasion selection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or Msg2) including information tofallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be able to determinethe SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgA instead ofMsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACH occasions in 2step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. The information (such asnumber of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number of preambles per SSB)about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACH configuration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required, MACCEs) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and thepathloss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plusMAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RApreambles group B. Otherwise, the UE selects the RA preambles group A.If RA preambles group B is not configured, UE selects RA preambles groupA.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE generates MsgA payload.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s) (e.g., RA-RNTI(or RNTI for MsgB reception), C-RNTI).

7. Network controlled switching: In this method, gNB can signal aswitching indication in MsgB to direct the UE(s) performing 2 step RACHprocedure to switch to 4 step RACH procedure.

FIG. 8 shows signaling flows between a UE and a gNB for switching from 2step RA procedure to 4 step RACH procedure according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the UE transmits MsgA to the gNB at operation 810.In response, the gNB transmits MsgB to the UE at operation 820. Uponreceiving MsgB, if the RA procedure is not successfully completed andthe received MsgB includes a switching indication, UE switches to 4 stepRACH procedure, i.e., UE (re-) transmits the PRACH preamble (i.e., Msg1)at operation 830.

In one embodiment, UE selects a random backoff time according to auniform distribution between 0 and the default back off value. Thedefault back off value can be pre-defined or signaled by gNB in systeminformation or dedicated RRC signaling. After the back off time, UEswitches to 4 step RACH procedure.

In another embodiment, gNB may signal both a backoff index and aswitching indication in MsgB. UE selects a random backoff time accordingto a uniform distribution between 0 and the back off value correspondingto the backoff index. After the back off time, UE switches to 4 stepRACH procedure as MsgB includes the switching indication.

8. Handling counters upon switching: Upon initiation of RA procedure, UEsets the PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER andPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER to 1. For each subsequent MsgAtransmission (PRACH preamble and PUSCH (i.e. MsgA payload)), UEincrements PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER. For each subsequent MsgAtransmission, PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER is increments if all of thefollowing conditions are met: if the notification of suspending powerramping counter has not been received from lower layers; and if LBTfailure indication was not received from lower layers for the last RApreamble transmission; and if SSB or CSI-RS selected is not changed fromthe selection in the last RA preamble transmission.

Upon switching to 4 step RACH procedure (based on above procedure (as inFIG. 6) or any other trigger), UE handles thePREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER as follows:

Option 1: UE resets the counters, i.e., it setsPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER and PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER to 1.

Option 2: UE does not reset PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER andPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER. For example, before switching, ifPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER corresponding to last MsgA transmissionwas X, PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER for 1^(st) Msg1 transmission in 4step RACH procedure is X+1. For example, before switching, ifPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER corresponding to last MsgA transmissionwas Y, PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER for 1^(st) Msg1 transmission in 4step RACH procedure is:

Y+1, if the notification of suspending power ramping counter has notbeen received from lower layers; and if LBT failure indication was notreceived from lower layers for the last RA preamble transmission; and ifSSB or CSI-RS selected is not changed from the selection in the last RApreamble transmission. Otherwise, it is Y.

Option 3: UE resets PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER. UE does not resetPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER.

In one embodiment, option to select can be indicated by network insystem information or dedicated RRC signaling or in MsgB.

In one embodiment, a switching indication comprises of multiple bits.Each of the switching indication values can be mapped to one of theoptions listed above. For example, switching indication 0 can indicateoption 1, switching indication 1 can indicate option 2, and switchingindication can indicate option 3.

Note that in all the options (option 1/2/3), UE will apply 4 step RACHconfiguration (power step, received target power, RAR window size, etc.)upon switching to 4 step RACH procedure.

9. Preamble group selection upon switching: If UE is performing 4 stepRA procedure as a result of fallback/switching from 2 step RA procedure,UE shall not perform preamble group reselection for Msg1 transmission.UE uses the same preamble group as selected during 2 step RA procedure.This will enable UE to transmit MsgA payload as Msg3 during the 4 stepRA procedure.

10. UL carrier upon switching: If MsgA was transmitted on SUL and SULdoes not support 4 step RA procedure, UE uses UL upon switching to 4step RA procedure. If MsgA was transmitted on UL and UL does not support4 step RA procedure, UE uses SUL upon switching to 4 step RA procedure.In an embodiment, if MsgA was transmitted on SUL and SUL does notsupport 4 step RA procedure, UE does not switch to 4 step RA procedure.In an embodiment, if MsgA was transmitted on UL and UL does not support4 step RA procedure, UE does not switch to 4 step RA procedure.

Method 4:

2 step RACH procedure is initiated. RACH procedure can be initiated byUE (e.g., for SR or upon receiving reconfiguration with sync from gNB)or it can be initiated by network (e.g., by sending the PDCCH order).

1. UE first selects a suitable SSB where an SSB is suitable if SS-RSRPof that SSB is above rsrp-ThresholdSSB. Selection of a suitable SSBamong multiple suitable SSBs is up to UE implementation. If a suitableSSB is not available, UE can select any SSB. It is to be noted the incase of CSI-RS based RACH procedure, UE will select CSI-RS in similarmanner as SSB.

In 2 step RACH procedure, gNB needs to transmit MsgB upon receivingMsgA. In order to enable gNB to avoid transmission of MsgB in directions(or coverage) of all SSBs/CSI-RSs, SSB/CSI-RS is selected by UE.

2. RA Preamble and PRACH occasion selection

gNB identifies the SSB/CSI-RS from the received MsgA and then transmitsMsgB in the direction of the identified SSB/CSI-RS. In case gNB is ableto receive PRACH preamble part of MsgA but fails to receive MsgApayload, it can still transmit MsgB (or Msg2) including information tofallback to 4 step RACH procedure. So, gNB should be able to determinethe SSB/CSI-RS information from PRACH preamble part of MsgA instead ofMsgA payload. To enable this, PRACH preambles and PRACH occasions in 2step RACH procedure are mapped to SSBs/CSI-RSs. The information (such asnumber of SSBs mapped per RACH occasion, number of preambles per SSB)about the mapping is signaled by gNB in RACH configuration.

UE selects the preamble group. If RA preambles group B is configured, UEselects RA preambles group A or group B based on MsgA payload size orbased on MsgA payload size and path loss. If the potential MsgA size (ULdata available for transmission plus MAC header and, where required, MACCEs) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA (or ra-MsgASizeGroupA) and thepathloss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the RAprocedure)-preambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble(msgA-DeltaPreamble)-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or if the RA procedurewas initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plusMAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA: the UE selects the RApreambles group B. Otherwise, the UE selects the RA preambles group A.If RA preambles group B is not configured, UE selects RA preambles groupA.

UE selects an RA preamble randomly with equal probability from the RApreambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected RA preamblesgroup.

UE selects the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasionscorresponding to the selected SSB.

3. PUSCH Resource selection

UE selects the PUSCH resource. If there is a one to one mapping betweenpreambles in a PRACH occasion and associated PUSCH resources, UE selectsthe PUSCH resource corresponding to the selected PRACH preamble. Ifthere is a many to one mapping between preambles in a PRACH occasion andassociated PUSCH resources, UE selects the PUSCH resource correspondingto the selected PRACH preamble. Note that if there are multiple PUSCHresource pools wherein the PUSCH resource in different pool carriesdifferent MsgA payload size, UE selects the PUSCH resource from PUSCHresource pool corresponding to MsgA payload size.

4. UE generates MsgA payload.

5. UE then transmits MsgA (i.e., the selected PRACH preamble istransmitted in the selected PRACH occasion. MsgA payload is transmittedin the selected PUSCH resource.)

6. After transmitting MsgA, ra-Response Window for MsgB reception isstarted by UE at the first PDCCH occasion for MsgB reception that is atleast one symbol away from the end of PUSCH in MsgA. ra-Response Windowshould be started as early as possible to enable the gNB to transmitfallback information quickly in case gNB has received the PRACH preamblepart of MsgA but fails to decode the PUSCH part of MsgA. A largera-Response Window can be configured to enable gNB enough processingtime for transmitting MsgB corresponding to successfully received MsgA.

UE monitors for PDCCH addressed to one or more RNTI(s) (e.g., RA-RNTI(or RNTI for MsgB reception), C-RNTI).

7. Network controlled switching: In this method, gNB can signal aswitching indication in MsgB to direct the UE(s) performing 2 step RACHprocedure to switch to 4 step RACH procedure.

FIG. 9 shows signaling flows between a UE and a gNB for switching from 2step RA procedure to 4 step RACH procedure according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the UE transmits MsgA to the gNB at operation 910.In response, the gNB transmits MsgB to the UE at operation 920. Uponreceiving MsgB, if the RA procedure is not successfully completed andthe received MsgB includes a switching indication and a RAPIDcorresponding to PRACH preambles transmitted by UE in MsgA, UE switchesto 4 step RACH procedure, i.e., UE (re-) transmits the PRACH preamble(i.e., Msg1) at operation 930.

In one embodiment, UE selects a random backoff time according to auniform distribution between 0 and the default back off value. Thedefault back off value can be pre-defined or signaled by gNB in systeminformation or dedicated RRC signaling. After the back off time, UEswitches to 4 step RACH procedure.

In another embodiment, gNB may signal both a backoff index and aswitching indication in MsgB. UE selects a random backoff time accordingto a uniform distribution between 0 and the back off value correspondingto the backoff index. After the back off time, UE switches to 4 stepRACH procedure as MsgB includes the switching indication.

8. Handling counters upon switching: Upon initiation of RA procedure, UEsets the PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER andPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER to 1. For each subsequent MsgAtransmission (PRACH preamble and PUSCH (i.e. MsgA payload)), UEincrements PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER. For each subsequent MsgAtransmission, PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER is increments if all of thefollowing conditions are met: if the notification of suspending powerramping counter has not been received from lower layers; and if LBTfailure indication was not received from lower layers for the last RApreamble transmission; and if SSB or CSI-RS selected is not changed fromthe selection in the last RA preamble transmission.

Upon switching to 4 step RACH procedure (based on above procedure (as inFIG. 6) or any other trigger), UE handles thePREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER as follows:

Option 1: UE resets the counters, i.e., it setsPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER and PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER to 1.

Option 2: UE does not reset PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER andPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER. For example, before switching, ifPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER corresponding to last MsgA transmissionwas X, PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER for 1^(st) Msg1 transmission in 4step RACH procedure is X+1. For example, before switching, ifPREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER corresponding to last MsgA transmissionwas Y, PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER for 1^(st) Msg1 transmission in 4step RACH procedure is:

Y+1, if the notification of suspending power ramping counter has notbeen received from lower layers; and if LBT failure indication was notreceived from lower layers for the last RA preamble transmission; and ifSSB or CSI-RS selected is not changed from the selection in the last RApreamble transmission. Otherwise, it is Y.

Option 3: UE resets PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER. UE does not resetPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER.

In one embodiment, option to select can be indicated by network insystem information or dedicated RRC signaling or in MsgB.

In one embodiment, a switching indication comprises of multiple bits.Each of the switching indication values can be mapped to one of theoptions listed above. For example, switching indication 0 can indicateoption 1, switching indication 1 can indicate option 2, and switchingindication can indicate option 3.

Note that in all the options (option 1/2/3), UE will apply 4 step RACHconfiguration (power step, received target power, RAR window size, etc.)upon switching to 4 step RACH procedure.

9. Preamble group selection upon switching: If UE is performing 4 stepRA procedure as a result of fallback/switching from 2 step RA procedure,UE shall not perform preamble group reselection for Msg1 transmission.UE uses the same preamble group as selected during 2 step RA procedure.This will enable UE to transmit MsgA payload as Msg3 during the 4 stepRA procedure.

10. UL carrier upon switching: If MsgA was transmitted on SUL and SULdoes not support 4 step RA procedure, UE uses UL upon switching to 4step RA procedure. If MsgA was transmitted on UL and UL does not support4 step RA procedure, UE uses SUL upon switching to 4 step RA procedure.In an embodiment, if MsgA was transmitted on SUL and SUL does notsupport 4 step RA procedure, UE does not switch to 4 step RA procedure.In an embodiment, if MsgA was transmitted on UL and UL does not support4 step RA procedure, UE does not switch to 4 step RA procedure.

In an embodiment, network can transmit a switching indication and/or apre-defined backoff index in Msg2 to switch from 4 step RACH procedureto 2 step RACH procedure. The above procedure can be re-used by simplyinterchanging MsgA by Msg1 and MsgB by Msg2 and 4 step by 2 step.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, a terminal includes a transceiver 1010, acontroller 1020 and a memory 1030. The controller 1020 may refer to acircuitry, an ASIC, an FPGA, or at least one processor. The transceiver1010, the controller 1020 and the memory 1030 are configured to performthe operations of the UE illustrated in the figures, e.g., FIGS. 1 to 9,or as otherwise described above. Although the transceiver 1010, thecontroller 1020 and the memory 1030 are shown as separate entities, theymay be integrated onto a single chip. The transceiver 1010, thecontroller 1020 and the memory 1030 may also be electrically connectedto or coupled with each other.

The transceiver 1010 may transmit and receive signals to and from othernetwork entities, e.g., a base station.

The controller 1020 may control the UE to perform functions according tothe embodiments described above. For example, the controller 1020 isconfigured to perform a 2 step RA procedure, i.e., the controller 1020is configured to control the transceiver 1010 to transmit a MsgAincluding an RA preamble and a C-RNTI MAC CE, and to receive a MsgB on aPDCCH addressed to the C-RNTI. The controller 1020 is configured toidentify whether a TAT is running or not. If the TAT is running and thePDCCH contains a UL grant for a new transmission, the controller 1020 isconfigured to determine this 2 step RA procedure successfully completed.Else (i.e., if the TAT is not running), if a downlink assignment hasbeen received on the PDCCH and the MAC PDU contains the absolute TAcommand MAC CE, the controller 1020 is configured to determine this 2step RA procedure successfully completed. In addition, the controller1020 is configured to control the transceiver 1010 to transmit an HARQACK for the TB in which the MsgB was received if the 2 step RA procedureis successfully completed, and not to transmit an HARQ ACK for the TB inwhich the MsgB was received if the RA procedure is not yet successfullycompleted. Furthermore, the controller 1020 is configured to determineto switch from the 2 step RA procedure to a 4 step RA procedure, i.e.,only (re-) transmits an RA preamble for the remaining RACH procedure, ifthe 2 step RA procedure is not successfully completed even aftertransmitting MsgA ‘N’ times. Upon performing the 4 step RA procedure asa result of fallback/switching from the 2 step RA procedure, thecontroller 1020 is configured to select the same group of RA preamblesas was selected for the 2 step RA procedure and to maintainPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER and PREAMBLE_POWER_RAMPING_COUNTER forswitching from the 2 step RA procedure to the 4 step RA procedure.

In an embodiment, the operations of the terminal may be implementedusing the memory 1030 storing corresponding program codes. Specifically,the terminal may be equipped with the memory 1030 to store program codesimplementing desired operations. To perform the desired operations, thecontroller 1020 may read and execute the program codes stored in thememory 1030 by using a processor or a central processing unit (CPU).

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a base station according to an embodimentof the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, a base station includes a transceiver 1110, acontroller 1120 and a memory 1130. The controller 1120 may refer to acircuitry, an ASIC, an FPGA, or at least one processor. The transceiver1110, the controller 1120 and the memory 1130 are configured to performthe operations of the gNB illustrated in the figures, e.g., FIGS. 1 to9, or as otherwise described above. Although the transceiver 1110, thecontroller 1120 and the memory 1130 are shown as separate entities, theymay be integrated onto a single chip. The transceiver 1110, thecontroller 1120 and the memory 1130 may also be electrically connectedto or coupled with each other.

The transceiver 1110 may transmit and receive signals to and from othernetwork entities, e.g., a terminal.

The controller 1120 may control the gNB to perform functions accordingto the embodiments described above. For example, the controller 1120 isconfigured to perform a 2 step RA procedure, i.e., the controller 1120controls the transceiver 1110 to receive a MsgA including an RA preambleand a C-RNTI MAC CE, and to transmit a MsgB on a PDCCH addressed to theC-RNTI. This 2 step RA procedure is considered successfully completed ifthe TAT of the UE is running and the PDCCH contains a UL grant for a newtransmission; or if the TAT of the UE is not running, and a downlinkassignment has been transmitted on the PDCCH, and the MAC PDU containsthe absolute TA command MAC CE. The controller 1220 is configured tocontrol the transceiver 1210 to receive an HARQ ACK for the TB in whichthe MsgB was received.

In an embodiment, the operations of the base station may be implementedusing the memory 1130 storing corresponding program codes. Specifically,the base station may be equipped with the memory 1130 to store programcodes implementing desired operations. To perform the desiredoperations, the controller 1120 may read and execute the program codesstored in the memory 1130 by using a processor or a CPU.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference tovarious embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in form and details may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as definedby the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method performed by a terminal in a wirelesscommunication system, the method comprising: transmitting, to a basestation, a message A (MsgA) including a random access (RA) preamble;receiving, from the base station, a message B (MsgB) as a response tothe MsgA; and determining whether to transmit hybrid automatic repeatrequest (HARQ) acknowledge (ACK) information for a transport block (TB)corresponding to the MsgB, based on identifying whether a 2 step RAprocedure is successfully completed.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: transmitting, to the base station, the HARQ ACK informationfor the TB, in case that the 2 step RA procedure is successfullycompleted, wherein the HARQ ACK information for the TB is nottransmitted to the base station, in case that the 2 step RA procedure isnot successfully completed.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein an HARQfeedback timing indicator is included in a physical downlink controlchannel (PDCCH) corresponding to the MsgB, and wherein a transmissiontiming of the HARQ ACK information is determined based on the HARQfeedback timing indicator and a slot of a physical downlink sharedchannel (PDSCH) reception for the MsgB.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising: monitoring a physical downlink control channel(PDCCH) identified by a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) forthe MsgB.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the MsgB includesinformation on a pre-defined back off index, and wherein in case thatthe 2 step RA procedure is not successfully completed, a random back offtime is selected according to a uniform distribution between 0 and avalue determined based on the pre-defined back off index.
 6. A methodperformed by a base station in a wireless communication system, themethod comprising: receiving, from a terminal, a message A (MsgA)including a random access (RA) preamble; and transmitting, to theterminal, a message B (MsgB) as a response to the MsgA, wherein areception of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledge (ACK)information for a transport block (TB) corresponding to the MsgB isdetermined based on whether a 2 step RA procedure is successfullycompleted.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: receiving, fromthe terminal, the HARQ ACK information for the TB, in case that the 2step RA procedure is successfully completed, wherein the HARQ ACKinformation for the TB is not received from the terminal, in case thatthe 2 step RA procedure is not successfully completed.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein an HARQ feedback timing indicator is included in aphysical downlink control channel (PDCCH) corresponding to the MsgB, andwherein a reception timing of the HARQ ACK information is determinedbased on the HARQ feedback timing indicator and a slot of a physicaldownlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission for the MsgB.
 9. The methodof claim 6, wherein a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)associated with the MsgB is identified by a radio network temporaryidentifier (RNTI) for the MsgB.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein theMsgB includes information on a pre-defined back off index, and whereinin case that the 2 step RA procedure is not successfully completed, arandom back off time is selected according to a uniform distributionbetween 0 and a value determined based on the pre-defined back offindex.
 11. A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminalcomprising: a transceiver; and at least one processor coupled with thetransceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:transmit, to a base station, a message A (MsgA) including a randomaccess (RA) preamble, receive, from the base station, a message B (MsgB)as a response to the MsgA, and determine whether to transmit hybridautomatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledge (ACK) information for atransport block (TB) corresponding to the MsgB, based on identifyingwhether a 2 step RA procedure is successfully completed.
 12. Theterminal of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configuredto transmit, to the base station, the HARQ ACK information for the TB,in case that the 2 step RA procedure is successfully completed, andwherein the HARQ ACK information for the TB is not transmitted to thebase station, in case that the 2 step RA procedure is not successfullycompleted.
 13. The terminal of claim 12, wherein an HARQ feedback timingindicator is included in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)corresponding to the MsgB, and wherein a transmission timing of the HARQACK information is determined based on the HARQ feedback timingindicator and a slot of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)reception for the MsgB.
 14. The terminal of claim 11, wherein the atleast one processor is further configured to: monitor a physicaldownlink control channel (PDCCH) identified by a radio network temporaryidentifier (RNTI) for the MsgB.
 15. The terminal of claim 11, whereinthe MsgB includes information on a pre-defined back off index, andwherein in case that the 2 step RA procedure is not successfullycompleted, a random back off time is selected according to a uniformdistribution between 0 and a value determined based on the pre-definedback off index.
 16. A base station in a wireless communication system,the base station comprising: a transceiver; and at least one processorcoupled with the transceiver, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to: receive, from a terminal, a message A (MsgA) including arandom access (RA) preamble, and transmit, to the terminal, a message B(MsgB) as a response to the MsgA, wherein a reception of hybridautomatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledge (ACK) information for atransport block (TB) corresponding to the MsgB is determined based onwhether a 2 step RA procedure is successfully completed.
 17. The basestation of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is configured toreceive, from the terminal, the HARQ ACK information for the TB, in casethat the 2 step RA procedure is successfully completed, and wherein theHARQ ACK information for the TB is not received from the terminal, incase that the 2 step RA procedure is not successfully completed.
 18. Thebase station of claim 17, wherein an HARQ feedback timing indicator isincluded in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) corresponding tothe MsgB, and wherein a reception timing of the HARQ ACK information isdetermined based on the HARQ feedback timing indicator and a slot of aphysical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission for the MsgB. 19.The base station of claim 16, wherein a physical downlink controlchannel (PDCCH) associated with the MsgB is identified by a radionetwork temporary identifier (RNTI) for the MsgB.
 20. The base stationof claim 16, wherein the MsgB includes information on a pre-defined backoff index, and wherein in case that the 2 step RA procedure is notsuccessfully completed, a random back off time is selected according toa uniform distribution between 0 and a value determined based on thepre-defined back off index.